GOSHEN, Ind. – Goshen College head soccer coaches Tavi Mounsithiraj and Fabio dos Santos have announced the signing of suburban Chicago twins Christian and Katelyn Vendrely to national letter of intents.

Both have extensive playing experience at Homewood Flossmoor High School (Flossmoor, Ill.) as well as elite-level club programs. Read more about Katelyn's signing.

Chris is a three-year varsity letter winner and a two-year starter at forward and in the midfield. This winter and spring, Chris has also been a member of the Chicago Fire Youth Academy playing in the Premiership I, Northern Illinois Soccer League and in tournaments in Orlando, Birmingham, and Indianapolis.

"As a player, Chris has the ability to lead the game well from the midfield position, has great technical skill, and has good touches on the ball, but what I like about Chris is that he can create shots for himself or others by putting the ball where it needs to be quickly," Mounsithiraj said. "Chris is a no nonsense kind of player who will go out there and make simple decisions, simple passes, play defense, finish, eat his lunch and go home."

The future Maple Leaf also spent five years as a member of the Chicago Fire Juniors Development Academy playing from the U-13 to U-17 levels. His teams twice won Super Y League National Championships, while also appearing in tournaments across the country from Las Vegas to Raleigh to Memphis. His other experiences include playing on a tour of Italy with the Chicago Magic U-13 team and as a participant and coach at the Goshen College Soccer Camps since 2003.

"Chris is a highly technical player who can play multiple positions and use both feet effectively," club coach Paul Caldwell added. "His high soccer IQ allows Chris to make good decisions on the field and allows coaches to trust him. He is a great young man who would be a benefit to any program."

Off the field, Chris is ranked in the top 20% of his graduating class. He is part of the Youth Fellowship at Lombard Mennonite Church and has participated in service projects in Guatemala as well as the local Chicagoland area. Parents Pat and Anne Vendrely are both Goshen College alums, with Pat donning a Maple Leaf basketball and baseball uniform during his time on campus.

"Chris is a good fit for our program and for our Goshen College community," Mounsithiraj said in closing. "I am excited to see what kind of teacher, lawyer, doctor, husband, Chris will be in 15-20 years from now and I am sure Goshen College will be a part of that development."